Just as we’re finishing our leftovers from Jumpstreet’s Canadian Thanksgiving in October, that sweet aroma of gravy and pie is already wafting in from our neighbours down south! Grab your turkey basters ladies and gentlemen, because US Thanksgiving is here. It’s a good thing we kept our elastic-waist jeans on.

The French expression bon vivant refers to someone who simply loves life to the fullest. The spirit of Montréal is bon vivant personified. Between its youthful student population (second largest in North America) and cultural diversity, Montréal has mastered the art of breathing life into its vibrant cityscape.

Perhaps the best way to tap into Montréals bon vivant spirit is through its festival calendar. Depending on who you ask, the city is host to as many as 60 festivals a year. Thats five a month! Our citys penchant for festivalsis such an integral part of its identity that we devoted an entire chunk of our downtown core, le Quartier des spectacles, to hosting these massive shindigs.

Naturally, some festivals are more renowned than others. Both the International Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs, in June and July respectively, immediately spring to mind, drawing not only millions of visitors but also thousands of world class performers. Theres also Les FrancoFolies, another summer music festival that is fast-becoming a global epicentre of French arts and entertainment.

So weve got our summer festivals pretty much covered  now what about those less forgiving months when les Montréalais trade the sunshine in for snow? Thats where Montréal en Lumière (Montreal Highlights Festival) comes in, a two-week showcase of the citys wondrous, wintery metropolis. Having first kicked off in February 2000, the event has since evolved into a non-stop party. The festivities revolve around an epic Nuit Blanche, an all-night citywide party that includes live DJs, fine dining, stunning art installations and countless activities to keep you nice and toasty. Did we mention the 360-foot outdoor slide?

We're pretty excited here at Jumpstreet Tours. Why? Oh, only because we have 75 exciting new student travel programs available for 2013-2014! We've launched more new itineraries than ever before to keep those "wows" coming.